For many tourists, and for many New Yorkers as well, Times Square is ground zero. Is is the neon heart- flashing lights, Broadway shows, megastores, and sheer spectacle

If you haven't been to Forty Second Street in the past four years or so, you're in for a shock. "The Deuce" as its denizens used to call it; has been cleaned up in the past few years. Even old-time New Yorkers are amazed when they visit this work-in-progress.

From 42nd to 47th Street, with Broadway and Seventh Avenue running through it, Times Square is really a series of several small, open squares rimmed by New York's theater district to the west, and giant hotels and skyscraper office buildings on all sides. These buildings are the foundation that supports the biggest concentration of bright lights in the Big Apple - the logos, neon signs and billboards of Times Square.

While there's a growing presence of Disney and Theme-Park Cafes, there's still a lot about this area that represents the real New York.

We hand selected a few of our favorite works from 20th c to contemporary photography the captures the true spirit of Times Square: